About
This low-growing, creeping, mat-forming evergreen sub-shrub with small, aromatic, dark green to grey woolly foliage and very small pale pink flowers which appear from June to July. Not suitable for culinary use but great for ground cover, in cracks and stone walls and also for pollinating insects.
About the genus
Thymus are evergreen woody-based perennials, shrub or sub-shrubs with small aromatic leaves and terminal whorls of small, 2-lipped, tubular, purple, pink or white flowers in late spring or summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well drained, alkaline to neutral soil in full sun. Won't tolerate wet or waterlogged conditions. Will tolerate drought and poor soils. See thyme cultivation for more information
PruningLightly trim to remove dead flowers. Cut back harder after flowering to keep bushy and compact
PropagationPropagate by division or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free